COVID-19 Further Temporary Award Changes
On the 8th April 2020, the full bench varied 99 modern awards, inserting a schedule X, as additional measures during the CVOID-19 pandemic. This variation provides an entitlement to unpaid pandemic leave and the flexibility to take twice as much annual leave at half pay. These provisions take effect on 8th April 2002 until 30 June 2020 at this stage.
The unpaid pandemic leave entitles an employee to take up to 2 weeks unpaid leave if the employee is required to isolate and is consequently prevented from working when required by government or medical authorities or acting on the advice of a medical practitioner, or is otherwise prevented from working by measures taken by government or medical authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With other requirements regarding notice and evidence it also allows the employer and employee to agree on the employee taking more than 2 weeks unpaid pandemic leave.
The annual leave at half pay allows employees to take twice as much annual leave on half pay. For example, instead of an employee taking one week’s annual leave on full pay, the employee and their employer may agree to the employee taking 2 weeks annual leave on half pay.
The details of this provision should be checked in each award applicable to your workplace. This may be extended to more than the 99 awards in phase 1, at a later date.
However, now is the time to consult and communicate with your team, regardless of any award provisions.
If you require advice on these provisions or further assistance with the management of your staff during this time, please let us know. We are here to help. We remain available via email or phone – leisa.messer@hrbd.com.au or 0401 271 616 | 07 3890 2066.
We hope you are OK. Take care. Keep safe.
The Team at HR Business Direction